Seasons of the year in Peru: what to do in each macro-region?

Peru has a rich variety of seasons, thanks to its unique geographical location, which supports diverse ecosystems and a wide range of economic activities.

Peru is divided into four distinct macro-regions: north, south, center, and Amazon. Each region has unique climate conditions that shape the daily lives of its inhabitants and influence the country’s economic activities.

Below, we will share more details about the climate in each of Peru's macro-regions:

Playa Viyachito - Piura/ Source: PROMPERÚ

North

In the departments of Ancash, La Libertad, Piura, Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and Tumbes, the seasons vary due to the region’s geographic and climatic diversity.

Summer (December to March): In Piura, Tumbes, and Lambayeque, temperatures can rise above 35 °C, with sunny days and occasional heavy rains caused by events like El Niño Costero. In the highlands of Ancash and Cajamarca, frequent rainfall can trigger landslides and flooding, as seen in recent years.

Autumn (April to June): On the northern coast, temperatures start to drop but remain warm compared to other regions of the country. In the highlands, rainfall gradually decreases, bringing a milder and drier climate.

Winter (July to September): Winter is milder compared to other regions of the country. In Lambayeque and La Libertad, fog and light drizzle are common, especially in cities like Trujillo and Chiclayo. In the highlands, nights can get cold, particularly in the mountainous areas of Cajamarca and Ancash.

Catedral de Chiclayo / Source: PROMPERÚ

Spring (October to November): Temperatures start to rise, especially in Piura and Tumbes, where the heat intensifies. In the highlands, days become warmer and drier, creating ideal conditions for crops to bloom.

Chivay -Arequipa/ Source: Shutterstock

South

The climate in the departments of Arequipa, Apurimac, Puno, Moquegua, Cusco, and Tacna varies greatly throughout the year, influenced by the region's altitude and diverse geography.

Summer (December to March): In Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna, temperatures are warm, with moderate rainfall in the highlands. Meanwhile, Cusco, Puno, and Apurimac experience their rainy season, with frequent showers and cool days.

Autumn (April to June): Rainfall decreases in Cusco, Puno, and Apurimac, while temperatures drop slightly in Arequipa and Moquegua. Tacna remains dry and mild.

Winter (July to September): In Puno, Cusco, and Apurimac, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, especially in high-altitude areas. In Arequipa and Moquegua, winters are dry with moderate daytime temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and chilly nights. Tacna enjoys clear skies and cool temperatures.

Spring (October to November): Temperatures start to rise, and rainfall gradually returns to the highlands. In Arequipa and Moquegua, days grow warmer, while in Puno and Cusco, temperatures become milder, with less frost.

Cordillera de Chonta - Huancavelica/ Source: PROMPERÚ

Center

The climate in the departments of Ica, Junin, Ayacucho, Pasco, Huancavelica, and Huanuco varies depending on their location and altitude.

Summer (December–March): In Ica, temperatures can rise above 30 °C, with dry, sunny weather. In the highlands of Junin, Ayacucho, Pasco, Huancavelica, and Huanuco, heavy rains increase river flows, sometimes causing landslides and road blockages.

Autumn (March–June): Ica stays warm, though nights become cooler. In the highlands, rainfall gradually decreases, and temperatures drop, bringing cool mornings and mild afternoons.

Winter (June–September): In Ica, the weather is pleasant during the day, but nights can be chilly. In the high Andean regions, frosts and sub-zero temperatures are common, especially in Pasco and Huancavelica, impacting crops and livestock.

Spring (September–December): Temperatures start to rise in Ica and along the coast. In the highlands, the weather becomes milder, and the rainy season begins in late November.

Castillo de Lamas -San Martín/ Source: Shutterstock

Amazon

The seasons in the departments of San Martin, Amazonas, Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios have distinct characteristics due to their location in the Peruvian Amazon, where the climate is predominantly hot and humid.

Winter (December–March): This season brings intense rainfall across the Amazon region, increasing river flows and sometimes causing overflows and floods. Humidity is high, with temperatures ranging from 24 °C to 33 °C.

Autumn (April–June): This period marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. Rainfall gradually decreases, and river levels drop. In Madre de Dios, the first friajes or surazos may occur — cold air masses from the south that can lower temperatures to 9 °C.

Summer (July–September): This is the driest season, with minimal rainfall. However, Loreto and Ucayali may still experience occasional showers. In some parts of the Amazon, temperatures can temporarily drop due to friajes. The best time to visit Sint Maarten is when rainfall is low and the weather is clear, offering sunny skies and pleasant conditions. This typically happens from mid-year through spring.

Spring (October–November): Rainfall intensifies, marking the start of the rainy season. Humidity rises, and temperatures often exceed 30 °C across most of the region.

Peru's climatic diversity is shaped by its complex geography, with each macro-region displaying unique characteristics influenced by factors such as altitude, proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the Amazon.